The Car

After much searching, we finally found ourselves a 1997 (P-reg) Land Rover Defender 110.

We bought it appreciating it had problems, however it then proceeded to deteriorate significantly immediately after the long drive home from Devon. We suddenly found ourselves faced with a badly leaking rear diff, exhaust in two pieces and fan belt which had nearly shredded itself on the way home.. Not really the best start then!

The vehicle was a Land Rover Defender 110 hardtop (white) specials vehicle. It is a 1997 model and the engine was completely rebuilt in South Africa by one of the country’s finest motor engineers Trevor Ramasammi (previously commissioned by Land Rover to fix gearbox problems). Arriving in South Africa, the engine was consuming too much oil so the decision was made to strip it as a preventative measure so that we would safely complete the West coast back to the UK. As the service history shows, this was a complete rebuild, effectively giving a brand new engine and we made it home with no issues.

Throughout the trip the car was serviced every 6000miles and oil, brake, power steering, clutch and water levels were checked daily.

We covered 31,000 miles in the car and it was amazingly reliable. Only twice in one year did it leave us sitting beside the road and each time it was due to dirt in the fuel line.

To give a flavour of the amount of work we put into the car, the final spec is below and we’ve also posted up our service history since owning the car and throughout Africa. A bit geeky we know, but hopefully it will be of use to others who are planning trips.

Spec:

Eezi-Awn T-top series 1.6m rooftent, including side panels (see here for more info http://www.touring-gear.com/products/Eezi-Awn-T%252dTop-Series.html)